This month, we’re focusing on BIPOC Mental Health!
July was first declared as National BIPOC Health History Month in 2008 to acknowledge and explore issues concerning mental health, substance use disorders and BIPOC communities to destigmatize mental illness and enhance public awareness of mental illness among affected BIPOC groups. Studies show that racial and sexual minority groups show higher levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders. Society’s deep-rooted prejudice towards BIPOC groups causes feelings of rejection, estrangement, and harassment. Other challenges for our community are immigration status, economic conditions, education levels, and access to public health, just to name a few. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has created a list of resources here. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally, someone cares about you; we care about you!
In this month’s newsletter, we’re featuring Elaine Wang who works in local government as the City Manager of Winooski, www.winooskivt.gov.
Get to Know VT PoC
Businesses and People
Elaine Wang
CITY MANAGER-WINNOOSKI
Elaine Wang was born in California to parents who fled a civil war in China. Elaine’s main have to do with environmental stewardship and self- empowerment. Elaine works hard to operate in her current position, with an emphasis in self-empowerment; Especially for communities that have historically been excluded from power structures. In local government, Elaine has noticed working in primarily white organizations it can sometimes create a negative environment because the experience of a person of color is not understood. To oppose this Elaine is sometimes loud, sometimes persistent, and often uses the support of friends, peers, and allies.
Read the rest of our interview with Elaine Wang here, and link with her by using her socials in the links below.
Resources & Updates
Events
Barr Hill Natural Area
Join us at Barr Hill Natural Area in Greensboro for a guide walk with BIPOC T.N.C. staff followed by cocktails at Caledonia Spirits!
Click here to register.
Listening Sessions
We would love to hear from you join register for one of our listening sessions below!
Link to register.
News
Stopping Stones in Bennington
A small group of staff from the Bennington Museum and volunteers have been collecting information about Bowen and other early Black Bennington residents to bring their stories to light.
Find the story at this link.
VHEI Under 5 Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
VHEI is proud to bring back the community COVID-19 vaccine clinics for under 5 community members! Clinics begin July 16th in Winooski and will operate based on demand.
Click here to register.